Kamalesh K. Sirkar

Kamalesh K. Sirkar is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), internationally recognized for pioneering membrane separation technologies including the commercialized membrane-based solvent extraction process and foundational work on membrane contactors and contained liquid membranes.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1969)
• M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1966)
• B.Tech. from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (1963)

Professor Sirkar's research revolutionizes separation processes across pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and energy sectors. His work integrates membrane science with nanotechnology to develop continuous manufacturing systems for drug nanocrystals, high-efficiency desalination via membrane distillation, and advanced gas separation using MOF-based membranes. He has transformed theoretical concepts into industrial applications, particularly in anti-solvent crystallization and protein purification systems.

Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate accelerating innovation in continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing, smart membrane materials (graphene oxide, MOFs), and sustainable desalination. His work increasingly focuses on process intensification, FAIR data standards for membrane research, and scaling membrane technologies for industrial implementation while addressing challenges like fouling resistance and thermal efficiency.

His scientific awards include:

• Alan S. Michaels Award for Innovation in Membrane Science and Technology (2017)
• Fellowships in AIChE (2020), NAI (2017), NAMS (2016), and AAAS (2008)
• Clarence Gerhold Award from AIChE Separations Division (2008)
• AIChE Institute Award for Excellence in Industrial Gases Technology (2005)
• Honorary M. Eng. from Stevens Institute (1987)

Professor Sirkar has mentored 40 PhD students, 47 MS students, and 28 postdoctoral researchers, establishing a global network of membrane scientists. His research leadership includes directing the NSF-funded Membrane Science, Engineering, and Technology Center (MAST) from 2010-2015, securing major industry collaborations and advancing membrane technology commercialization through this Industry/University Cooperative Research Center.

He leads the MAST research consortium and maintains active laboratory operations focused on membrane development, while serving on editorial boards for leading journals including Journal of Membrane Science. His current work bridges academic research with industrial implementation through continuous process development and next-generation membrane materials.